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Trade the road for pine-needle trails on a private, one-hour horseback ride through the Cross Florida Greenway. Family-friendly with tandem options for toddlers, this short guided loop is an easy way to experience Fort McCoy’s inland sandhill and oak hammock habitats.
Trade the road for pine-needle trails on a private, one-hour horseback ride through the Cross Florida Greenway. Family-friendly with tandem options for toddlers, this short guided loop is an easy way to experience Fort McCoy’s inland sandhill and oak hammock habitats.
Book with Makin Tracks Trail Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Makin Tracks Trail Rides · Fort McCoy, Florida
On the edge of Florida’s Cross Florida Greenway, a one-hour private trail ride offers an immediate, hands-on way to move through the region’s pine and sandhill country. Meeting point is 15901 NE 137 Court Fort McCoy, FL. 32134, where a small farm corrals patient quarter horses and tacks up riders of all ages for guided loops into greenway trails. These rides are intentionally family-friendly; tandem seating is available for children ages 2 to 5, and instructors start every group with mounting assistance and a quick basics lesson before the clock starts.
Trails wind under longleaf pines and through oak hammocks, over sandy footing carved into subtle ridges. Riders encounter open flats, shaded hollows and occasional scrub oak—habitats that support gopher tortoises and migratory songbirds. The geology here is flat, sandy limestone overlain by wind-deposited soils, which keeps drainage quick and footing firm for horses. Because the trip is private and guided, the pace can be calm and educational or brisk and adventurous depending on your comfort level.
What makes this experience stand out is its simplicity and attention to small-group care. The host meets riders at the farm and leads horses to the trailhead as a group, so you spend your hour in the woods rather than in a barn. Private rides reduce trail congestion and let families set the tempo; guides tailor instruction to beginners and young riders, so first-time equestrians feel safe while experienced riders still enjoy open stretches. Pricing is straightforward and the ride length fits into half-day travel planning around Ocala’s broader outdoor options.
Practical details matter: bring closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and water; plan for extra time at check-in; and call if you need a detour map. The trail system connects to broader Cross Florida Greenway corridors, so riders can extend their time on nearby public miles on return visits. This outing is a good fit for intergenerational groups, photographers looking for low-impact access to sandhill light, and anyone who wants a short, high-quality immersion in central Florida’s lesser-seen inland landscape.
Whether you’re introducing a child to horses or swapping pavement for pine needles, this private hour is a clear, accessible way to read the landscape from horseback in a place that still feels like real Florida backcountry. Guides handle saddling, basic instruction, and lead the group from the farm to the trailhead so riders can focus on the ride itself. Rides cost $100 per person for private one-hour bookings, and small changes—like combining a child on a tandem—are handled with a quick phone call. Pack layers for changing weather, secure any loose items, and expect approximately 15–20 extra minutes for mounting and orientation before your hour actually begins. Bring photo ID and any medical notes.
Children age 2 and up may ride; tandem seating is available for ages 2–5 so a parent or guide can ride with a small child.
Meet at the farm at 15901 NE 137 Court Fort McCoy, FL. 32134; the host will lead horses to the trailhead together.
The ride itself is one hour, but plan for an extra 15–20 minutes for check-in, mounting, and orientation.
Check with the operator at booking; most outfits have helmets available and will advise on fit and use.
Private one-hour rides are listed at $100 per person; phone the operator to confirm and arrange tandems.
This experience is run from the operator’s farm and uses their horses; contact them directly if you need alternate arrangements.
Makin Tracks Trail Rides operates guided horseback rides from Fort McCoy, Florida, along Ocala’s Cross Florida Greenway. The company offers a selection of public and private trail rides in durations of one, two, and three hours, including river rides that feature a river stop and possible swimming. Rides are guided, family-friendly, and include options for tandem riding to accommodate young children and first-time riders. Public rides run on scheduled departures and welcome riders of varying experience levels, with a relaxed start and basic instruction provided. Private rides provide a personalized guide and expert assistance for families or small groups seeking a tailored experience on the same scenic trails. The two-hour and three-hour rides allow more time on the Cross Florida Greenway; the three-hour options include a river stop where riders may dismount or let horses rest while enjoying the river. Makin Tracks Trail Rides uses horses suited to trail riding and matches mounts to riders to promote safety and comfort. Guides lead all rides and provide orientation, basic riding instruction when needed, and direction along marked trails. The operation emphasizes scenic exploration of Ocala’s greenery, straightforward booking for public and private options, and family-oriented policies like tandem riding. Visitors to Fort McCoy and surrounding Ocala areas can choose from short introductions to riding or longer river rides, all running on the Cross Florida Greenway routes managed during each tour. Reservations and scheduling are available for both public and private rides; guests should confirm times before arrival. Questions can be emailed.
Book with Makin Tracks Trail Rides